The Lunchtime Special

Chapter 27 - It Hits the Fan

"So, beautiful, now that you've had your wicked way with me, do you want to tell me what's going on between you and my mother?"

I jerk my head up in surprise at Jake's words, thankful I've already swallowed my bite of fluffy, golden pancake smothered in maple syrup. "What do you mean?" I ask, lowering my lashes against his steady gaze. We're sitting in front of the superlative city view as we demolish breakfast, both of us wrapped in luxuriously soft white bathrobes.

"I mean you practically cringed when I mentioned her yesterday and now you're avoiding looking at me, so spill."

I don't want to be the girlfriend who whinges about her boyfriend's mother; quite apart from it being so cliché, it's also divisive, and that's no way to start a relationship. Picking up my coffee cup to hide behind, I try evasion. "Wow, that's some imagination you've got going there, handsome. Now eat up, I want to have my wicked way with you at least once more before I have to get all the tuxes back to the hire place." There's silence for a minute or two and I begin to think I may escape further interrogation, until Jake's fingers under my chin turn me to face him and I know I'm kidding myself.

"Mia," his expression is gentle with a hint of steely determination. "I love my mother but I am under no illusions whatsoever about her character and how she sometimes treats people, believe me." The fingers move to cup my cheek and I press into his palm, loving the sense of solid strength he exudes as easily as breathing. "Tell me, please sweetheart."

Oh, dammit. "It's just...I don't think she likes me," I hedge. When he frowns I plunge on, attempting a smile. "But I'm sure it's because she doesn't know me well enough to appreciate my razor-sharp intellect and witty repartee." Thoughtful eyes rake my face, making me squirm internally. "It's nothing to worry about," I urge, praying he'll accept my explanation and leave it at that, and heaving a sigh of relief when it seems he does.

"You're sure? I can say something to her..."

"No! No, that's...not necessary, really." And the last thing I want. I press a kiss to his palm and then to his mouth. "Now eat up; something tells me you're going to need both strength and stamina very, very soon."

The edges of his mouth turn up in a sinfully sexy smirk. "You're rather insatiable this weekend, Ms Stephenson."

"Well," I stand and slowly begin to undo the belt of my robe, "it may be months before our next conjugal visit; I'm storing up nuts for the winter."

He barks with laughter, mussy hair falling over his forehead, and a fist clenches around my heart as I back up towards the bed, maintaining eye contact while I shrug the robe down my shoulders. By the time I'm naked he's beside me, his own robe falling to the floor, and any talk of his mother is long forgotten.

---

We go first to Jake's flat so he can change out of his tux and pack his bag, then head to the Lyall so I can do the same. Jake offers to round up the suits from Sean and Patrick while I make my way to my room, hearing the shower running as I let myself in. Changing into jeans and a warm jumper takes no time at all; I'm hanging Will's, Jake's and my tuxes in suit bags when Ames stops in the doorway.

"Hey."

"Hey, Ames."

"Laila's mother was looking for you last night; she seemed pretty pissed when she couldn't find you or Jake."

I have no trouble believing that. "Okay, thanks."

"She really seems to have it in for you, doesn't she?"

"You've heard her comments?" I ask, astonished; I'd thought Anthea's remarks were made for my ears only.

"Some. I don't know how you've managed to keep so cool and calm; I'd have decked her by now."